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Coursera, the popular online learning platform, recently teamed up with Louisiana Tech University to conduct a new analysis on the effectiveness of online education and its impact on student employment. The results were fascinating, revealing important insights for both students and employers.
Here are three key questions that emerged from the study, along with their answers and implications for the future of online learning.
What did the study find?
The study, which analyzed data from over 8,000 learners on Coursera, found that online learning has a significant positive impact on student employment outcomes. Specifically, learners who completed a course on Coursera were 43% more likely to get a job within six months of completing the course, compared to learners who didn’t take any courses.
The study also found that learners who completed multiple courses on Coursera had even better employment outcomes, with a 72% increase in their likelihood of getting a job within six months.
These findings highlight the potential of online learning to provide learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the job market.
How can employers benefit from online learning?
The study also shed light on how employers can benefit from online learning. According to the data, learners who completed a course on Coursera were more likely to apply for jobs at companies that value skills-based hiring, rather than those that rely solely on traditional credentials like a degree or certification.
This is good news for employers who are looking to hire based on skills and potential, rather than just a candidate’s formal education. By leveraging online learning platforms like Coursera, employers can tap into a broader pool of talent and find candidates with the skills they need to succeed.
What does this mean for the future of online learning?
The findings of this study have significant implications for the future of online learning. Not only do they underscore the value of online learning for individual learners, but they also highlight the potential of online learning to bridge the skills gap that many employers are facing.
As more and more employers recognize the value of skills-based hiring and seek out candidates with diverse educational backgrounds, online learning platforms like Coursera will become increasingly important. They offer learners a flexible and accessible way to gain the skills they need to succeed in the job market, while also providing employers with a way to identify and hire top talent based on skills and potential, rather than just traditional credentials.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Coursera and Louisiana Tech University provides valuable insights into the impact of online learning on student employment outcomes and the potential of online learning to benefit employers. As online learning continues to evolve and grow, it will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of education and the job market.
